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Hundreds Walked for Justice

The annual Ecumenical Good Friday Walk for Justice drew between 300 and 400 people again this year, to bring attention to contemporary crucifixions due to injustice in our political and economic systems. Under the banner, “Sold out for Silver,” participants gathered at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Trinity Square, Toronto, to prepare to visit four ‘stations of the cross’ in the downtown core. At
the artificial pond on the Ryerson University campus, native women calling themselves Water Keepers lamented the neglect and damage done to what is an essential, sacred gift, the gift of clean water. Signs protesting Line 9 drew attention to the potential for environmental damage posed by gas and oil pipelines, particularly due to a lack of adequate environmental assessment and proper consultation with First Nations.
Walkers then marched through the Eaton Centre to Old City Hall where Migrante, gave a dramatic presentation to highlight the issue of unfair exploitation of migrant and domestic workers. At the federal courthouse at Queen West and Simcoe Streets, we heard from those supporting refugee claimants who have been the subject of secret trials and prolonged neglect of their claims.
Returning to Holy Trinity where a Homeless Memorial lists over 700 people who have died on Toronto’s streets from homelessness.
Bonnie Briggs, Sherman Hesselgrave and Michael Shapcott addressed this issue before the group entered the church for a closing ritual and meal of soup and bread.